How to Buy a GPS Device

Paper maps were fine in their day--but like the wind-up watch, the tube TV, and crank windows in cars, they're becoming as undesirable as last year's cell phones as new technologies continue to emerge.

Today's navigation tool, the portable GPS device, can do things that paper maps are incapable of, such as automatically showing your precise location anywhere on the globe, providing precise turn-by-turn instructions on how to drive from any Point A to any Point B, identifying where the nearest gas and coffee outlets are, and warning you when traffic problems make a detour highly advisable. It's like having a localized MapQuest right on your dashboard or in your pocket. When you're venturing into alien territory, a GPS device can give you greater security and confidence than you'll ever get from paper.

There are many handheld GPS products designed for hiking and outdoor activities, but here we'll focus our attention on aftermarket products designed for vehicles.

We strongly advise you to read the entire guide to help you figure out which type is most suitable for your purposes; but if you want to jump right in, you can find an array of excellent products here.

Before You Buy

The prices of GPS devices vary widely, depending mostly on the units' screen size and features. Some automobile-centric models with small screens and basic mapping features cost around $150, while top-of-the-line models with big screens, XM Radio functionality, and multimedia capabilities can reach $700. Simple handheld GPS models with tiny screens and no built-in maps start at about $100; high-end models with more-sensitive receivers, color screens, extensive mapping capabilities, and rugged cases can cost as much as $600. And you can easily spend another $200 to $300 for topographical and street maps.

So, before buying a GPS model, ask yourself the following questions:

How often and how far will I travel? If you tend to take short trips, repeat the same commute, and only occasionally need directions, buy a GPS device in the $200-to-$300 price range. As exciting as GPS may seem in theory, you need to figure out whether you'll actually use it enough to justify the cost.

If you expect to use it daily (for sales calls, for example) and you have complicated travel itineraries, you'll find that a GPS unit quickly becomes indispensable. In that case, buy the best one you can afford.

Where will I attach it in my vehicle? Though car-centric GPS devices are meant for mounting in your vehicle, actually doing this may not be easy.

Most automobile-centric GPS kits include a mounting bracket with a suction cup designed to stick to your windshield or a flat surface on your dash. The catch is that in some states (including California) windshield mounts are illegal. Another problem: Not all dashboards are flat and many have pebbly surfaces that prevent suction cup mounts from adhering to them.

Some optional mounts fit into the air-vent grille in your dashboard. But these, too, can be problematic because the mount and the unit will block at least some of the airflow from the vent. Furthermore, light though most units are, they may be too heavy for a vent mount to support steadily.

Another approach is to hold the mount with weighted beanbags, but you'll need a flat, horizontal surface to place them on. Even so, beanbags and air-vent mounts may be your best options in states that prohibit windshield mounting.

How critical are frequent map updates? If you expect to use your GPS device primarily to find convenient java shops during occasional travels--or retail outlets that you've never visited before--working with less-than-up-to-the-minute mapping data is probably okay. And you can always turn to MapQuest for more-recent information. On the other hand, if getting from one place to another on time is essential, you'll want to update your mapping data as often as possible, even if you have to pay for it.